My friend Elizabeth sat with me today on the patio and we had lunch together at 4:00. Yes, lunch. That is what time she normally eats what she calls lunch, and it worked for me. I tried to have her for her 100th birthday earlier this month but illness prevented us. The Comfort Soup I had put away into the freezer came out again and we ate it along with some sourdough bread, and Sumo mandarins that came in the mail this week. Yes, in the mail! Magical, that was.
As soon as she walked into the family room Elizabeth saw a photo of some of my grandchildren, and recalled events at church involving two of them, when they were 15 years younger. She told stories to Susan and me of the last severe drought that was also about 15 years ago, and kept me entranced as she always does with tales from throughout her life, from Hawaii, Saudi Arabia, South America and many other places she has lived or spent a lot of time.
Today I learned about how her mother detested the cold, but gave birth to my friend in high elevations of the Rocky Mountains, in icy February. When she was near to full-term the doctor said she must not ride the horse to town any longer, but rather should walk, because she was less likely to slip on the ice than the horse was.
It was balmy in my neighborhood this afternoon, especially for February! First we sat in the corner of the garden next to the manzanita bush, where eventually I want to have a bench, but where today we sat in black iron chairs. (You can see them in the upper left corner of this photo.) 
Elizabeth played with her cane by dangling it around by its strap loop on the top. The neighbors on one side were playing drummy rock music in the garage. Over the fence near us children were squealing and running around. I shared stories of my Chinese neighbors in the next house from that, who have loud-laughing parties outdoors in any month of the year, and of the grandma who sings Chinese karaoke into her microphone for the pleasure of the whole neighborhood.
The fountain was gurgling, and I assured Elizabeth that yes, it is recirculating its water. (You can see how it splashes some on the ground, too.) She lamented about how the southern California swimming pools “are taking our water!” and about how all of the neighbors on her block are gone to work every weekday, not one is around. While her son is at work in the afternoons she is busy making her lunch, watching animal programs on TV, reading the Bible or doing crossword puzzles. She feeds the local animals, that is, their several cats.
Elizabeth lost her husband after they had been married 43 years, the same as me. She says that probably the Lord wanted her to know Him better on her own, and while her husband lived she didn’t put much effort into that “vertical” relationship. She is very thankful for her good life, and she reminds me of the blessings of my own. She is nice to have around.
Gladsome Lights 
What a wonderful treasure it is to have a friend like your Elizabeth!
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What a lovely post – Elizabeth. I too lost my dear husband in 2015 after 41 years of marriage. Like you, I am rebuilding and readjusting to this new life. Many tears, but so many happy memories and such a wonderful foundation on which to build this new life. Unexpected joys around every corner too. And on Saturday, the baptism of our treasured and long awaited grandson.
God bless.
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You are so blessed to have Elizabeth in your life.
I was blessed by reading this post about her. She inspires me to grow closer to God and to enjoy the life he has blessed me with.
Have a good day ~ FlowerLady
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Elizabeth’s comment about So. CA “taking our water” reminded me of the movie Chinatown. It’s such a tinder box issue…water. The next world crisis is going to be food, it’s begun in So. America. What a delightful day y’all had and so glad you had the wisdom of an older Christian to hear. In turn, we all become Titus women and must pass it on, for the sake of the Gospel, for the sake of younger and for our own sake. Be well, Gretchen.
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What a contrast: your peaceful yard and the lovely late lunch matched with accounts of noise on all sides. I hope Elizabeth’s presence stays there tomorrow and from now on to absorb and render harmless all that distraction. I have a Russian immigrant friend near her age. We have lunch regularly. I try to bring her spirit home with me. Her stories convey courage and hope.
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I too enjoy rereading your stories, retrieving often the inspirations or personal connections that came through to me on their own once but subsequently perhaps drifted away.
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How beautiful! The holiness of soul-to-soul connection, a deposit in the bank of eternity.
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She sounds like a very dear friend and a real balm for you in your new-to-you life. God bless her and you! ❤
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So glad you have this gift of friendship…she sounds wonderful. And I love hearing about the Karaoke parties…
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What a friend! Both of you!
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Oh, what a lovely post. Thank you so much for sharing all the beautiful things about your friend and your visit with her. So many treats to enjoy together.
You mentioned Butter Week in your recent comment on my blog — mmm, I certainly could go for that.
Wishing you a beautiful weekend,
Brenda
xox
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What an interesting friend! I love her idea about this being a time to get to know the Lord better, on our own. I think I tended to neglect that vertical relationship when my husband was here, as well. Many other things can crowd in and grab our time. It’s something I continue to work on. You are blessed to have Elizabeth! Your back yard is looking very promising. 😉
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Everything from the name of your dear friend to your very last words about her told a story of a visit I could imagine myself being a part. Excellent words.
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Those are sweet stories to hear about you and your friends. Elizabeth sounds like she has lots and lots to tell. BTW – who painted the picture at the bottom of the post? You? It’s lovely.
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M.K., that picture was “painted” by the Waterlogue app on my phone, from a photograph I took. 🙂
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